Oyo Governor Appoints Olubadan as First Council Chairman Amid Rotation Plan 👑🔥

Big move in Oyo State today (January 15, 2026)! Governor Seyi Makinde just inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs after 15 years of inactivity, naming the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I) as the inaugural chairman for a 2-year term. This kicks off a new rotational leadership system among the state’s top monarchs.

Key Highlights of the Drama:

• The council was revived following the passage and signing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025 by the House of Assembly.
• Chairmanship now rotates every 2 years among three paramount rulers:
  • Olubadan of Ibadanland
  • Alaafin of Oyo
  • Soun of Ogbomosoland
• Makinde announced the rotation starts with the Olubadan after consultations with all three (he called them his “three fathers”). The sequence: Olubadan first, then likely Soun, then Alaafin.
• The event happened at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, with over 30-40 monarchs present.

The Big Twist Everyone’s Talking About The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was conspicuously absent from the inauguration! This has sparked massive reactions — historically, the Alaafin held the permanent chairmanship before the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III’s passing in 2022. Some see the rotation (and starting with Olubadan) as a “shock” or shift in traditional hierarchy.

There’s also fresh tension: The Alaafin’s palace has refuted claims of any meeting or consensus with Makinde on the rotation, stating their position was already communicated via a memo from the Oyo Council of Elders.

Olubadan’s Response Oba Ladoja (a former Oyo State Governor himself, crowned 44th Olubadan in September 2025) thanked Makinde for reviving the council and pledged focus on peace, security, development, and unity. He called it “the beginning of work,” not just an achievement.

Why This Matters The council’s return is seen as a boost for traditional institutions’ role in governance, conflict resolution, culture preservation, and grassroots development. Makinde stressed unity over division, saying the traditional rulers have been key to his admin’s successes.

Netizens are buzzing — some hail it as progressive and inclusive, others debate the implications for Yoruba royal precedence. History in the making!

Wetin una think? Smart move by Makinde or too much shake-up? Drop your hot takes! 👇 #OlubadanChairman #OyoCouncilOfObas #SeyiMakinde #YorubaRoyalty #OyoStateGist